Three celebrities told yesterday how an early diagnosis of a common heart rhythm disorder has saved them from stroke.

The Irish Heart Foundation launched a campaign to raise awareness of Atrial Fibrillation – which increases the risk of stroke by as much as five times but is often not diagnosed until after one has happened.

The new drive was launched by Irish rugby legends Fergus Slattery and Frankie Sheahan and DJ Will Leahy who all revealed they had been diagnosed with the condition.

Former Ireland and Lions great Fergus was diagnosed with the condition four years ago after experiencing breathlessness.

He said: “I can’t couldn’t stress enough, the importance of checking for an irregular heartbeat.

“There is no question it carries a big risk of stroke, the stats are huge – it increases the risk by around 500%.

“I know many people are reticent to check themselves or to go for check-ups but Atrial Fibrillation is too serious to be ignored. A simple pulse check every so often taken by yourself or a health professional, is all it might take to detect it early.”

2FM DJ Will Leahy had experienced palpitations on and off throughout his life which were often put down to indigestion.

Then seven years ago, aged just 35, he was later diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation.

Will said: “You take it for granted that your heart is going to beat regularly which makes it more frightening to be out of rhythm, trying to sleep while hearing your heart pounding in your head.

“I had an irregular rhythm for three months – I couldn’t sleep and felt really unwell.

“But even though that was tough, I am one of the lucky ones who is diagnosed and treated.

“A close family member had the silent version with no symptoms which is far more dangerous.

“A simple pulse check could make all the difference and the younger you start looking after yourself, the better.”

Meanwhile at the age of 30, former hooker Frankie Sheahan’s career was thriving until he started experiencing difficulty breathing and heart flutters.

He said: “I could feel my heart pounding and it was hard to get my breath but my immediate thought was, it will pass so get on with it – I didn’t want anything to interrupt my rugby career so I was very secretive about it.

“Over the next couple of years the Atrial Fibrillation deteriorated as did my performances and a serious neck injury happened at this time as well, all culminating in me deciding I could not go on with this any longer.”

After a simple operation by Dr Gerry Fahy, Frankie feels great now. He said: “I wish I’d spoken out sooner as after the operation I was better than ever before.”

Atrial Fibrillation usually has no symptoms, so most people don’t know they have it.

But there can be warning signs including palpitations, tiredness, shortness of breath, dizziness, or feeling faint.

The causes are not always clear but the chance of developing it increases with high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease.

It can affect adults of any age, but it is more common as people get older.

Irish Heart Foundation stroke expert Dr Ronan Collins said: “AF causes one in three strokes in Ireland and stroke caused by AF is more likely to leave you disabled or dead.

“It can affect anyone, particularly as we age when it hits 5% people over 65 and up to 15% over the age of 80.

“It is often intermittent and the majority of cases are silent, which makes it vital to have increased awareness.”

To help adults learn how to take their own pulse, the Irish Heart Foundation has provided a step-by-step guide on their website www.irishheart.ie.

IHF medical director Dr Angie Brown said: “Although AF is generally not life-threatening, it is a serious condition and can lead to serious complications.

“By knowing how to take your own pulse or by having it regularly checked, you can detect the condition.

The recommended normal heart rate is between 60 and 100bpm but some people can have rates over 100. You should see your doctor if you have a rate above 120bpm or below 40bpm.”